Subject
Soviet Union -- History -- Revolution, 1917-1921 -- Personal narratives, American Books
Best books
Joel R. (Joel Roscoe) Moore
The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-1919
"The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki" by Joel R. Moore et al. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This narrative documents the experiences and operations of American forces during their participation in the North Russian campaign against Bolshevik troops in the aftermath of World War I. Focused on the experiences of the 339th Infantry Regiment and their comrades, the book highlights the soldiers' struggles, battles, and the harsh conditions faced while stationed in North Russia. The opening of this account introduces readers to the American troops landing in Archangel on September 5, 1918, anticipating an arduous campaign against the Bolsheviks. It portrays the grim setting marked by the challenges of unfamiliar terrain, inclement weather, and the early outbreak of Spanish influenza aboard the troopships. The narrative emphasizes the soldiers’ sense of valor and commitment, detailing their rapid deployment into the conflict zones and their preparations to confront the Red Guards, underscoring the significance of their mission and the bonds formed amid adversity. As they began their offensive operations, the complexities of warfare, including coordination with allied forces and interactions with local populations, set the stage for the gripping narrative that follows.
Emma Goldman
My Disillusionment in Russia
"My Disillusionment in Russia" by Emma Goldman is a book published in 1923. Based on Goldman's eyewitness account of Russia from 1920 to 1921, it chronicles events following the Russian Revolution and the Kronstadt rebellion. The work presents a passionate left-wing critique of the Bolshevik Revolution, Lenin's New Economic Policy, and Marxian theory itself. Goldman's complete manuscript was initially published incompletely, with the final twelve chapters missing—portions she considered the book's most vital elements.
Emma Goldman
My further disillusionment in Russia
"My Further Disillusionment in Russia" by Emma Goldman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a continuation of Goldman's reflections on her experiences in revolutionary Russia, following her earlier book "My Disillusionment in Russia." The author, an outspoken anarchist and social activist, delves into the grim realities of life under Bolshevik rule, expressing a sense of betrayal as the ideals of the revolution she once supported dissolve into authoritarianism and oppression. The opening of the narrative describes Goldman’s return to Odessa after a challenging journey filled with delays and encounters with the local populace. As she navigates through the towns, she observes the stark contrast between abundant food supplies available and the pervasive poverty affecting the people, particularly the Jewish community in the region. Goldman details her interactions with local officials and citizens, highlighting a general atmosphere of disillusionment and sabotage within Soviet institutions. This sets the tone for her subsequent reflections on the broader implications of the Bolshevik regime and her evolving views on the revolution, indicating a deeper exploration of political disillusionment that characterizes the entire volume.
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